Rusty the red panda returns to National Zoo exhibit

Rusty climbed a tree canopy and got out of the National Zoo on June 24. Photo: Jummy Olabanji

More than two weeks after his daring escape from the Smithsonian's National Zoo, Rusty has made triumphant return.

The red panda, who's day on the lam near Adams Morgan on June 24 captivated the D.C. area and the nation, returned to his exhibit on Tuesday morning. Zookeepers moved Rusty, the almost 1-year-old red panda, from an animal hospital to a behind-the-scenes holding area.

Once keepers determined he was ready to go, he was released back into his habitat.

"He's very well,” says Pamela Baker-Masson, associated director of communications for the zoo. “The reports from the hospital are that he's eating well, resting well, drinking well, seems to be in perfect health."

In his first few hours back in his habitat, Rusty was rambunctious, climbing trees and playing.